Bypass idea ‘interesting’ says minister

Turning part of the Batheaston bypass into a car park for a park and ride has received tentative support from a Government minister. Bath MP Wera Hobhouse took the “elegant” solution to the House of Commons to see if West of England Combined Authority leader Tim Bowles could take it forward. The idea was touted before Christmas by Bath and North East Somerset Council transport chief Councillor Mark Shelford as a potential part of the solution to parking issues east of Bath. He said “100-plus” cars could be parked in a herringbone pattern in one lane along one carriageway of the bypass, with a bus taking passengers into the city. Transport minister Jesse Norman described it as an “interesting idea”. Mrs Hobhouse told her colleagues in Parliament: “In my Bath constituency, it has been suggested that our regional mayor, the Weca mayor, has the power to use a bit of highway to construct a park and ride. “For context, the council has failed for a long time to find a suitable site. “Is the minister’s understanding that the regional mayor has these powers and would the minister agree that such a use is an elegant solution?” Mr Norman replied: “I will resist the temptation to comment in advance on the elegance of the solution, but I think it’s a very interesting idea in principle. “As she [Mrs Hobhouse] may be aware, it would require the transfer of the road from Highways England and the agreement of the secretary of state. “We would also want to be sure that any changes were consistent with the combined authority’s long-term transport plans, but we would be very interested to see it.” Mrs Hobhouse said: “We have illegal levels of air pollution in Bath and serious congestion, and we have to do something about it.” Mr Bowles said every available idea to reduce congestion in the region should be considered.